It is important to "understand the history, use and research on facilitated communication as a form of communication access (candidacy, appropriate supports and work towards independent typing; research including controversy over authorship)." (Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, Guidelines for the Preparation of Teachers of Moderate and Severe Disabilities: Instruction on the appropriate use of augmentative and alternative communication and other assistive technologies., December 2011.

Augmentative and alternative communication is more of a global term focused on using tools and strategies that promote user independence. Further information about this approach can also be found in wikipedia.